MTSU Poll: Gov. Haslam Gets High Marks from Voters

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- Following the bruising political battles of the just completed election season, some surprising findings are out today concerning Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam.

Pollsters at Middle Tennessee State University continue to release results gleaned from their October phone survey of 650 state residents.

The latest numbers indicate that Governor Haslam, a Republican, has high job approval ratings right across the political spectrum.

The poll found that three out of four Republicans approve of Haslam’s job performance. Roughly the same number of Independent voters give the governor top marks.

Surprisingly, though, 54 percent of Democrats also approve of the way Haslam is handling the state’s business.

MTSU Poll Director Ken Blake says the governor’s numbers look similar to those enjoyed by his predecessor, Democrat Phil Bredesen.

“If you remember, they both steered clear of hot button social issues like abortion and gay marriage and so forth, and they focused on pragmatic, moderate policies largely pertaining to education and the economy. I think that has gained them the approval and the admiration of people of all types in Tennessee."

Blake notes that the governor enjoys slightly less support from Tennessee’s African-American voters. He says that’s not surprising since what he refers to as the “Republican brand” enjoys less support among all minorities nationwide.